John Eustace insists Blackburn Rovers will not underestimate Coventry City despite their disappointing start to the season.

The Sky Blues have won one of their first seven Championship games and they beaten 3-0 at Leeds United on Saturday. 

Despite high pre-season expectations, Coventry have been slow starters again. However, Eustace believes they will still be challenging for promotion after investing heavily in their squad.

The head coach is full of admiration for his opposite number, Mark Robins, who has overseen their rise from League Two to the Championship's top six.

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He knows it will be a tough test against Coventry, who have plenty of quality in attacking areas, particularly.

"We have two very tough away games, starting at Coventry who have lots of experience, they have recruited well and spent a lot of money in the summer," he said.

"They haven't started as quickly as expected, they will still be in the top six/seven at the end of the season. Mark Robins is an excellent manager.

"He'll get it right and we know it's a difficult game. The job he's done over the years, bringing them from League Two and building in this way, it's an outstanding achievement.

"They have sold players for big money and then replaced them in the same way by spending big money. That's their model and I'm sure they'll look to do that again for bigger numbers. They're run very, very well and they have a lot of good staff there to oversee it.

"They play good football, they recruited well again and spent a lot of money on big-name players. They have a lot of quality in the final third, we have to defend our box for our lives.

"They're a good team but we'll have a game plan and try to carry it out."

Eustace spent seven years at Coventry City as a player having come through the ranks with the club. He was named captain at the age of 21 and featured in the Premier League.

It is a club, therefore, that he has good memories with. 

"I had seven years at the club and so to see them back at the level and being very competitive is great," Eustace said.

"I started my career there, I was there for seven years, played in the Premier League for them in the team that unfortunately got relegated. 

"I had some fantastic times and played with some fantastic players and manager. A club that is close to my heart.

"It's an amazing story and that comes down to the manager going in and building something special through the difficult moments so they get the rewards. They were so close to the FA Cup final as well. It's a great story."